The Suzuki Kizashi is competitive with the other mid-size sedans in terms of performance, but no one is going to buy one unless it's competitive on price. At $18,999 for a well-equipped base model it could be a Sonata-killer.

Mid-size sedans are the toasters of the automotive world — appliances automakers make for cow-like…
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To be fair, both the Hyundai Sonata and Suzuki Kizashi start at under the $19K mark, with the Hyundai coming in at $18,700. And both offer warranties they can claim to be superlative in some way. The difference? We'd actually be okay driving a Suzuki Kizashi.

For your $18,999 you'll get a well-equipped car (power windows/doors, eight airbags, dual-zone climate control, stability control) that's not un-stylish, handles above-par for the class, and returns good mileage and performance. But what you'll really want is the Kizashi GTS, which for $22,499 equipped with a six-speed manual offers the rocking 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system (with Bluetooth streaming you probably will never use), foglights, adjustable seats and a few other touches that elevate the car into competition with the more expensive Mazda6.

If you want leather seats (they're nothing to write home about), AWD and a CVT automatic you'll have to pay $26,749 for it, which is still competitive with the other AWD offerings price-wise but doesn't offer a V6 or more powerful fourbanger to go with it. Having driven both we're not convinced it's worth it for most buyers south of the Mason-Dixon line.

The only thing missing? A good nav system. Suzuki has a great Nav system in their SYNC-like TRIP setup, but they weren't able to get it developed for the Kizashi in time for the release. It's coming in a refresh and will surely be advertised as the only car under $XX,XXX with navigation.

BREA, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2009) – Tapping in to its heritage of building high performance outboard motors and motorcycles, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announces pricing for the all-new 2010 Kizashi sedan (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee") which will debut in dealer showrooms in December 2009.

The Kizashi offers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes, premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Suzuki expands on its best-in-class platform while offering features more appropriate to the near-luxury segment. In short, Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag.

With the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 and $21,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling), a prospective customer enjoys an energetic platform, comfortable accommodation and expressive design for prices appropriate to a modestly equipped compact. This base price includes many standard features usually found in vehicles costing thousands more or as options in the competitive class. Standard features of the Kizashi S include:

The FWD Kizashi SE will cost a mere $2,500 more and will allow customers the benefit of the efficient and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT), P215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver's seat with 10-way adjustment (including power lumbar), 3-position memory driver's seat, and leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control. The Kizashi SE, with prices ranging from $21,499 to $22,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling), will be Suzuki's volume model.

The sporty GTS model, available in six-speed manual or performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters, starts at just $22,499 (plus $735 for destination and handling) and includes multiple upgrades from the SE model, including 425 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth®1 streaming audio capability (with compatible MP3 and iPod®2 connectivity) and hands-free calling with voice command, P235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof. GTS pricing will top out at $24,849 (plus $735 for destination and handling).